Rebates are Valuable, Too

Manufacturers offer rebates for the same reasons they provide coupons: to build sales and get shoppers to use a particular brand. There's one big difference. The average value of coupons is about 50 cents, while the cash value of rebates is about twice as much. There's good reason for that. You usually have to supply your own envelope and postage -- about 40 cents right off the bat. If your rebate savings aren't at least twice that, don't bother with them.

Refunds and rebates usually take one of three forms: A direct cash or check rebate on a purchase A coupon to be used on a future purchase A product sample delivered to your home

Rebates can take a lot of work because you have to save just about everything from the package to the sales receipt. Most require proof-of-purchase seals, universal product code seals (those vertical bars scanned at checkout), and cash register receipts. Why do manufacturers need so much verification? They use the receipt to identify the store location and the product's retail price. Manufacturers want to make sure that savings from manufacturers' promotions are passed on to customers, not kept as profit for the store. If you plan to use a rebate, save the entire package until you send it in. The rebate process, from mailing to receipt, usually takes four to eight weeks.

Where to look for rebate offers: Supermarkets Check out the customer-service counter, bulletin boards and end-of-aisle displays. If you don't find any, ask department managers. Newspapers and magazines Check out your local newspaper's food section, as well as its coupon inserts. Direct-mail coupon books and value packs We all get those value packs in the mail. Manufacturers Call the toll-free customer service numbers listed on your favorite products' packages and ask what rebates they offer. Ask the customer service representatives to add your name and address to a rebate mailing list. Rebate offers vary, so call often.

Finally, don't forget to follow the same rules for rebates as you would for coupons: Use them to save money on the products you use or want to try. Don't clutter your drawers or coupon file with those you'll never use. Organize by brand names, products and expiration dates.